Beat the Burglar this Winter – Top Tips

Darkness provides the perfect cover for opportunist thieves. Use the Matters Group handy tips to secure your home this winter.

hoody burglar
With burglaries an unfortunate fact of life, it’s natural to want to protect what is important to you. As experts in home security alarms, Matters knows the true cost of burglary is not only what they take away, it’s what they leave behind. Over half of burglary victims said they felt afraid for their children after they were burgled.

But with protection from a Matters’ home security system, you will have the peace of mind your family and your home are kept safe.

Start with the front door

door
Because that is what burglars do. If your front door looks tatty, or if it only has one cylinder lock (e.g. Yale), instead of a cylinder lock plus deadlock (mortise), it will catch a thief’s eye.  Wooden doors require a 5-lever mortice lock (BS3621 Standards), UPVC and Composite doors require high security anti-snap locks.

Don’t skimp on the alarm

Bell Box on Wall straight

Burglars will bypass the cheap systems and spot dummy alarms a mile off. For maximum security, alarms fitted with cameras allow you to view your home from your computer.

Our monitored alarm systems give you reassurance that we’re watching over your home 24/7. More than 90% of burglars avoid a property with a monitored house alarm, so they’re a great deterrent too.

The light’s on but nobody’s home

security light timer
Install a security sensor flood light; burglars don’t like to be seen and set up timer switches inside to make it look like someone is at home.

Defend your alley

alley
Make sure your side gate does not have a convenient handle for the thief to step onto and over. Put some trellis on top, too. Burglars hate it because it snaps

Keep things hidden

curtains
To the passing burglar, your sitting room is like a shop window. Use curtains and blinds, so it is difficult to see in. At the same time, make sure your windows are locked.

Cage your letterbox on the inside

cage
It is standard practice for burglars to put a long stick or magnetic device through your letterbox and “fish” your keys off the hall table. Not only will they be able to break into your house, but they will be able to steal your car, then take away more of your possessions.

Lock up your tools

lock
View your shed or garage as an extension of your house. Put at least a couple of locks on the outside, plus wire on the window, so thieves can’t use your garden spade or fork to prise a door open.

Don’t take any chances, use our handy tips and secure your home this winter.

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